Why Weija-Gbawe Children's Hospital is yet to begin operations - Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health has explained why the Weija-Gbawe Children’s Hospital has yet to begin operations, following a protest at the facility on May 5, 2026.

In a statement on May 5, 2026, signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Tony Goodman, the Ministry said the hospital is a World Bank-funded project which started in 2023 and was expected to be completed in December 2025.

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It said the project hit a setback in 2024 after the World Bank raised concerns about procurement processes.

“However, in 2024, the World Bank raised concerns about misprocurement, which included inflated costs of medical equipment up to about 11 times the actual price,” the statement said.

According to the Ministry, the development led to the World Bank’s decision not to settle outstanding payments related to the project.

“As a result, the World Bank declined to settle all the outstanding payments,” it added.

The Ministry explained that although it had taken steps to commission the hospital, the contractor halted the process.

“Recognising the importance of the project, the Ministry of Health engaged relevant stakeholders and was prepared to commission the facility for use.

"However, the contractor subsequently halted this process, insisting that all outstanding issues be fully resolved before granting access to the hospital,” the statement said.

The Ministry assured the public that efforts are ongoing to resolve the challenges and make the facility operational.

“The Ministry wishes to assure the people of Ghana that it is actively engaging all stakeholders to resolve the matter in the best interest of the public,” it noted.

It also stressed the importance of the hospital in the country’s healthcare system, especially for children.

“The Ministry acknowledges the critical importance of the hospital within Ghana’s healthcare delivery system, particularly in providing specialised care for children,” the statement added.

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The Ministry appealed to residents of Weija and the general public to remain calm as steps are taken to open the facility.

“The Ministry therefore appeals to the people of Weija in particular, and the general public at large, to exercise patience while steps are taken to operationalise the hospital,” the statement said.

MAG/VPO

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